| colspan="7"| <center>Statewide registration for births and deaths started 1916. General compliance by 1922.</center>

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| colspan="7" |<center>Statewide registration for births and deaths started 1916. General compliance by 1922.</center>

|}

|}

County records are most often kept at the County Courthouse or another local repository. For further information about where the records for Monroe County are kept, see the [[Monroe County, Illinois Courthouse|Monroe County Courthouse]] page.

County records are most often kept at the County Courthouse or another local repository. For further information about where the records for Monroe County are kept, see the [[Monroe County, Illinois Courthouse|Monroe County Courthouse]] page.

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=== Historical Facts ===

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===Historical Facts===

[[Image:James monroe.jpg|thumb|right|200px|<center>James Monroe</center>]]Monroe County is named for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Monroe James Monroe] who was the fifth president of the United States.

[[Image:James monroe.jpg|thumb|right|200px|<center>James Monroe</center>]]Monroe County is named for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Monroe James Monroe] who was the fifth president of the United States.

The county was named for James Monroe, who had just served as United States Secretary of War and who was elected President later that same year. The county seat is Waterloo and the county was organized on 1816. The County is located in the Southwest area of the state.<ref>Wikipedia contributors, "Monroe County," in ''Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia'', https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monroe_County,_Illinois 04/19/2017.</ref>

The county was named for James Monroe, who had just served as United States Secretary of War and who was elected President later that same year. The county seat is Waterloo and the county was organized on 1816. The County is located in the Southwest area of the state.<ref>Wikipedia contributors, "Monroe County," in ''Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia'', https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monroe_County,_Illinois 04/19/2017.</ref>

For animated maps illustrating Illinois county boundary changes, [http://www.mapofus.org/illinois/ "Rotating Formation Illinois County Boundary Maps"] (1790-1869) may be viewed for free at the MapofUS.org website.

For animated maps illustrating Illinois county boundary changes, [http://www.mapofus.org/illinois/ "Rotating Formation Illinois County Boundary Maps"] (1790-1869) may be viewed for free at the MapofUS.org website.

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==== Records Loss ====

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====Records Loss====

There is no known history of courthouse disasters in this county.

There is no known history of courthouse disasters in this county.

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== Records and Resources ==

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==Records and Resources==

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=== Biography ===

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===Biography===

*All of the [http://www.mygenealogyhound.com/illinois-counties/monroe-county-illinois-genealogy-biographies.asp Monroe County, Illinois family biographies] from The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois (1894) published by Biographical Publishing Co. are available free online at My Genealogy Hound.[http://www.hearthstonelegacy.com/randolph-jackson-perry-monroe-counties-illinois-1894-biographical-record-il.htm]

*All of the [http://www.mygenealogyhound.com/illinois-counties/monroe-county-illinois-genealogy-biographies.asp Monroe County, Illinois family biographies] from The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois (1894) published by Biographical Publishing Co. are available free online at My Genealogy Hound.[http://www.hearthstonelegacy.com/randolph-jackson-perry-monroe-counties-illinois-1894-biographical-record-il.htm]

*''A Census of Pensioners for Revolutionary or Military Services: With their Names, Ages, and Places of Residence, as Returned by the Marshalls of the Several Judicial Districts, Under the Act for Taking the Sixth Census''. Washington, D.C., 1841. {{FHL|973 X2pc 1840}}; {{FHL|2321}}; digital version at [http://books.google.com/books?id=W7JYAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA187&lpg=PA187 Google Books]. [See Illinois, Monroe County on page 187.]

*''A Census of Pensioners for Revolutionary or Military Services: With their Names, Ages, and Places of Residence, as Returned by the Marshalls of the Several Judicial Districts, Under the Act for Taking the Sixth Census''. Washington, D.C., 1841. {{FHL|973 X2pc 1840}}; {{FHL|2321}}; digital version at [http://books.google.com/books?id=W7JYAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA187&lpg=PA187 Google Books]. [See Illinois, Monroe County on page 187.]

FamilySearch has made parish records from seven Belleville Diocese Catholic churches in Monroe County available online (free registration is required). The records include first communions, confirmations, marriages, and deaths:

FamilySearch has made parish records from seven Belleville Diocese Catholic churches in Monroe County available online (free registration is required). The records include first communions, confirmations, marriages, and deaths:

*Church Records of Immaculate Conception and St Francis Parish for the townships of Madonnaville and Harrisonville, Monroe County, Illinois can be found through the digital project of the Illinois Diocese of Belleville Catholic Parish Records[https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/show#uri=http://hr-search-api:8080/searchapi/search/collection/1388122 online].&nbsp;

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*Church Records of Immaculate Conception and St Francis Parish for the townships of Madonnaville and Harrisonville, Monroe County, Illinois can be found through the digital project of the Illinois Diocese of Belleville Catholic Parish Records[https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/show#uri=http://hr-search-api:8080/searchapi/search/collection/1388122 online].&nbsp;

*Church records of St. mary of Seven Dolors (Sorrows) Parish for Valmeyer, Monroe County, Illinois can be found through the digital project of the Illinois Diocese of Belleville Catholic Parish Records[https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/show#uri=http://hr-search-api:8080/searchapi/search/collection/1388122 online].&nbsp;

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*Church records of St. mary of Seven Dolors (Sorrows) Parish for Valmeyer, Monroe County, Illinois can be found through the digital project of the Illinois Diocese of Belleville Catholic Parish Records[https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/show#uri=http://hr-search-api:8080/searchapi/search/collection/1388122 online].&nbsp;

Additional resources for Monroe County church records may be found in the {{FHL|527104|subject_id|disp=FamilySearch Catalog - church records}}. Histories of area churches may be found in the {{FHL|870273|subject_id|disp=FamilySearch Catalog - church histories section}}. Online microfilm are indicated by the camera icon in the catalog entry. Copies of books found in the FamilySearch Catalog may be found in WorldCat catalog and ordered from your local library through interlibrary loan. Explore how to search the [[Introduction to the FamilySearch Catalog|FamilySearch Catalog]] and the [[Worldcat Online Catalog]].

Additional resources for Monroe County church records may be found in the {{FHL|527104|subject_id|disp=FamilySearch Catalog - church records}}. Histories of area churches may be found in the {{FHL|870273|subject_id|disp=FamilySearch Catalog - church histories section}}. Online microfilm are indicated by the camera icon in the catalog entry. Copies of books found in the FamilySearch Catalog may be found in WorldCat catalog and ordered from your local library through interlibrary loan. Explore how to search the [[Introduction to the FamilySearch Catalog|FamilySearch Catalog]] and the [[Worldcat Online Catalog]].

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=== Court Records ===

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===Court Records===

Original court records are held in the office of the Circuit Court Clerk. See [[Illinois Court Records]] for more information about using court records.

Original court records are held in the office of the Circuit Court Clerk. See [[Illinois Court Records]] for more information about using court records.

*[[African American Research]] (US) has more information about the kinds of records

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*[[African American Research]] (US) has more information about the kinds of records

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*[http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/ard131.pdf Illinois State Archives pamphlet on African American Research] describes records at the State Archives with an online method for ordering records.

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*[http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/ard131.pdf Illinois State Archives pamphlet on African American Research] describes records at the State Archives with an online method for ordering records.

*''Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois: Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens of the Counties: Together with Biographies and Portraits of All the Presidents of the United States, and the Governors of the State of Illinois.'' Chicago: Biographical Pub. Co., 1894. Digital versions at [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=24665 Ancestry] ($); [http://www.archive.org/details/portraitbiographi00biograp Internet Archive]. {{FHL|313874|item|disp=FHL Film 825600}} For additional access, see [http://www.werelate.org/wiki/Source:Portrait_and_Biographical_Record_of_Randolph%2C_Jackson%2C_Perry_and_Monroe_Counties%2C_Illinois WeRelate].

*''Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois: Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens of the Counties: Together with Biographies and Portraits of All the Presidents of the United States, and the Governors of the State of Illinois.'' Chicago: Biographical Pub. Co., 1894. Digital versions at [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=24665 Ancestry] ($); [http://www.archive.org/details/portraitbiographi00biograp Internet Archive]. {{FHL|313874|item|disp=FHL Film 825600}} For additional access, see [http://www.werelate.org/wiki/Source:Portrait_and_Biographical_Record_of_Randolph%2C_Jackson%2C_Perry_and_Monroe_Counties%2C_Illinois WeRelate].

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=== Land and Property ===

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===Land and Property===

Original land records are held in the office of the County Recorder. See [[Illinois Land and Property]] for more information about using land records.

Original land records are held in the office of the County Recorder. See [[Illinois Land and Property]] for more information about using land records.

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'''Online Resources'''

'''Online Resources'''

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:*'''Beginning 1820''' [http://www.glorecords.blm.gov/search/default.aspx#searchTabIndex=0&searchByTypeIndex=0 Land Patent Search] See [[Illinois Land and Property#State_Records|Illinois Land and Property]] for more information about this database.

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:*'''Beginning 1820''' [http://www.glorecords.blm.gov/search/default.aspx#searchTabIndex=0&searchByTypeIndex=0 Land Patent Search] See [[Illinois Land and Property#State_Records|Illinois Land and Property]] for more information about this database.

:*'''1796–1907''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1246 U.S. General Land Office Records] found at Ancestry.com ($)

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:*'''1796–1907''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1246 U.S. General Land Office Records] found at Ancestry.com ($)

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:*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=3780 Illinois Public Land Purchase Records] This record extract includes over 538,000 land sales from the 19th Century. Each entry includes the purchaser's name, purchase date, number of acres, price per acre, and in some cases the purchaser's sex and residence. Available at www.ancestry.com ($)

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:*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=3780 Illinois Public Land Purchase Records] This record extract includes over 538,000 land sales from the 19th Century. Each entry includes the purchaser's name, purchase date, number of acres, price per acre, and in some cases the purchaser's sex and residence. Available at www.ancestry.com ($)

Civil War service men from Monroe County served in various regiments. Men often joined a regiment or a company (within a regiment)that originated in their county. Listed below are the military units that were formed in or had many men from Monroe County.

Civil War service men from Monroe County served in various regiments. Men often joined a regiment or a company (within a regiment)that originated in their county. Listed below are the military units that were formed in or had many men from Monroe County.

Bertille Brand Klein kept a diary or "news book" of her daily life in Hecker, Illinois from January 1930 (age 15 1/2) until December 1939 (age 25). She mentions many local family names with some birth and death dates. Her granddaughter Angie Kelly is digitizing this valuable resource. Visit [http://www.tilliestales.com Tillie's Tales] to read this interesting journal (work in progress).

Bertille Brand Klein kept a diary or "news book" of her daily life in Hecker, Illinois from January 1930 (age 15 1/2) until December 1939 (age 25). She mentions many local family names with some birth and death dates. Her granddaughter Angie Kelly is digitizing this valuable resource. Visit [http://www.tilliestales.com Tillie's Tales] to read this interesting journal (work in progress).

County records are most often kept at the County Courthouse or another local repository. For further information about where the records for Monroe County are kept, see the [[Monroe County, Illinois Courthouse|Monroe County Courthouse]] page.

County records are most often kept at the County Courthouse or another local repository. For further information about where the records for Monroe County are kept, see the [[Monroe County, Illinois Courthouse|Monroe County Courthouse]] page.

[[Illinois Regional Archives Depository (IRAD)|IRAD]] is a system of Illinois Regional Archives Depositories managed by the Illinois State Archives, housing the archival records of local Illinois counties, townships, municipalities and school districts. The seven Regional Depositories are housed on state university campuses scattered throughout Illinois. [[IRAD - Southern Illinois University|Southern Illinois University]] houses the records for Monroe County.

[[Illinois Regional Archives Depository (IRAD)|IRAD]] is a system of Illinois Regional Archives Depositories managed by the Illinois State Archives, housing the archival records of local Illinois counties, townships, municipalities and school districts. The seven Regional Depositories are housed on state university campuses scattered throughout Illinois. [[IRAD - Southern Illinois University|Southern Illinois University]] houses the records for Monroe County.

[http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.illinois.counties.monroe/mb.ashx Rootsweb message board ]for Monroe county has many information threads about families that resided in that county. There is a search engine that allows you to search by surname and topic. You can also post inquiries into ancestors that lived there.

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[http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.illinois.counties.monroe/mb.ashx Rootsweb message board] for Monroe county has many information threads about families that resided in that county. There is a search engine that allows you to search by surname and topic. You can also post inquiries into ancestors that lived there.

See [[Illinois Vital Records]] for more information about Vital records in Illinois. See also [http://www.genealogyinc.com/illinois/il-vital-records/ How to order Illinois Vital Records] or [http://www.genealogyinc.com/ordervitalcertificate/ order electronically online].

See [[Illinois Vital Records]] for more information about Vital records in Illinois. See also [http://www.genealogyinc.com/illinois/il-vital-records/ How to order Illinois Vital Records] or [http://www.genealogyinc.com/ordervitalcertificate/ order electronically online].

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The following abstracts and copies of original vital records may be accessed through online databases, the [[The Family History Library|Family History Library]] and the [http://www.ilsos.gov/GenealogyMWeb/iradsrch.html Illinois Regional Archives Depository (IRAD)] located at the Southern Illinois University (SIU) - search for Monroe County records. For information on how to use IRAD see the [[IRAD - Southern Illinois University|SIU IRAD Wiki page.]]

The following abstracts and copies of original vital records may be accessed through online databases, the [[The Family History Library|Family History Library]] and the [http://www.ilsos.gov/GenealogyMWeb/iradsrch.html Illinois Regional Archives Depository (IRAD)] located at the Southern Illinois University (SIU) - search for Monroe County records. For information on how to use IRAD see the [[IRAD - Southern Illinois University|SIU IRAD Wiki page.]]

Statewide registration for births and deaths started 1916. General compliance by 1922.

County records are most often kept at the County Courthouse or another local repository. For further information about where the records for Monroe County are kept, see the Monroe County Courthouse page.

The county was named for James Monroe, who had just served as United States Secretary of War and who was elected President later that same year. The county seat is Waterloo and the county was organized on 1816. The County is located in the Southwest area of the state.[3]

All of the Monroe County, Illinois family biographies from The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois (1894) published by Biographical Publishing Co. are available free online at My Genealogy Hound.[1]

A Census of Pensioners for Revolutionary or Military Services: With their Names, Ages, and Places of Residence, as Returned by the Marshalls of the Several Judicial Districts, Under the Act for Taking the Sixth Census. Washington, D.C., 1841. FHL 973 X2pc 1840; FHL 2321; digital version at Google Books. [See Illinois, Monroe County on page 187.]

FamilySearch has made parish records from seven Belleville Diocese Catholic churches in Monroe County available online (free registration is required). The records include first communions, confirmations, marriages, and deaths:

Church Records of Immaculate Conception and St Francis Parish for the townships of Madonnaville and Harrisonville, Monroe County, Illinois can be found through the digital project of the Illinois Diocese of Belleville Catholic Parish Recordsonline.

Church records of St. mary of Seven Dolors (Sorrows) Parish for Valmeyer, Monroe County, Illinois can be found through the digital project of the Illinois Diocese of Belleville Catholic Parish Recordsonline.

Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois: Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens of the Counties: Together with Biographies and Portraits of All the Presidents of the United States, and the Governors of the State of Illinois. Chicago: Biographical Pub. Co., 1894. Digital versions at Ancestry ($); Internet Archive. FHL Film 825600 For additional access, see WeRelate.

Illinois Public Land Purchase Records This record extract includes over 538,000 land sales from the 19th Century. Each entry includes the purchaser's name, purchase date, number of acres, price per acre, and in some cases the purchaser's sex and residence. Available at www.ancestry.com ($)

Civil War service men from Monroe County served in various regiments. Men often joined a regiment or a company (within a regiment)that originated in their county. Listed below are the military units that were formed in or had many men from Monroe County.

Bertille Brand Klein kept a diary or "news book" of her daily life in Hecker, Illinois from January 1930 (age 15 1/2) until December 1939 (age 25). She mentions many local family names with some birth and death dates. Her granddaughter Angie Kelly is digitizing this valuable resource. Visit Tillie's Tales to read this interesting journal (work in progress).

County records are most often kept at the County Courthouse or another local repository. For further information about where the records for Monroe County are kept, see the Monroe County Courthouse page.

There are many Family History Centers in or near Monroe County, please check here for one close to you. For more information on Family History Centers and how they can assist you in your research, check out this page.

IRAD is a system of Illinois Regional Archives Depositories managed by the Illinois State Archives, housing the archival records of local Illinois counties, townships, municipalities and school districts. The seven Regional Depositories are housed on state university campuses scattered throughout Illinois. Southern Illinois University houses the records for Monroe County.

Rootsweb message board for Monroe county has many information threads about families that resided in that county. There is a search engine that allows you to search by surname and topic. You can also post inquiries into ancestors that lived there.

Vital records consist of birth, death, marriage and divorce records. Original birth and death certificates recorded until the year 1916 are kept by the Monroe County Clerk while those recorded after 1916 are kept by the Illinois Department of Public Health. with a copy to the County Clerk. Original marriage records are usually kept by the County Clerk from the establishment of the county to the present. Original divorce records are generally in the office of the Circuit Court Clerk.